First-half mistakes cost Purdue in its loss to Ohio State

6:51 PM,
Jan. 9, 2013

Despite the best efforts of Ronnie Johnson (3) and A.J. Hammons (20), Ohio State escaped Purdue with a win.

Written by

Jeff Washburn

Seizing unexpected opportunities against high-echelon college basketball teams is an absolute must for an underdog.

Purdue had the opportunity Tuesday night in Mackey Arena, when 15th-ranked Ohio State's veteran point guard Aaron Craft was saddled with two quick fouls and played only five minutes during the first half.

Instead of pouncing on the Buckeyes, the Boilermakers watched as backup Shannon Scott filled in nicely for the foul-plagued leader, and Ohio State built a 10-point halftime lead on its way to a 74-64 victory in a front of 14,642 fans. ...